Song of Solomon 5 presents the Bride with a two-fold test:The first test is: 1) The withdrawal of God’s presence(SoS 5:6)

This is how Jesus is producing a deeper resolution of love to the Bride’s soul. He is developing a confidence in her that will make her strong and bold on the inside. When she realizes that her lover has turned away (verse 6), she is not offended or shocked or confused. She goes in search of him. What a testimony to the maturity she is walking in.

Just as Jesus hid Himself from the Bride on her journey, so He does the same with us. He hides Himself from the obedient heart because He wants to draw out the yearning of our hearts in a deeper and more definitive way. When God is silent and He withdraws His glorious Presence, we soon discover what is on the inside of us. He trains our hearts in the silent wilderness, helping us discover what it is we are really after. Jesus would ask:

Are you in this for me or for what you can get out of this relationship?

Will you still love and trust me when you are disappointed by circumstances?

Will you obey me no matter how difficult the challenge?

He wants to know what is on the inside of us. What are we made of? Will we seek God when He withholds the things we deeply desire? Will we be His when we cannot feel His presence? We must work our "faith muscle" as the way to realign our heart so as to grow in love during difficulty.

The second test is: 2) Mistreatment by leaders (SoS 5:7)

Mistreatment is a part of our journey into wholehearted love. This is not about just any form of abuse, but about treading the same path that Jesus tread. Just as He was mistreated and misunderstood, so we will be also. Just as He encountered unfairness at the hands of evil men, so we will face the same thing.Mistreatment reveals what’s really down deep inside of us. We don’t really know who we are until we get bumped by someone. It brings out the real you.Jesus is teaching us humility. When we are mistreated by someone, it reveals how much we fight for the need to be right. And Jesus is teaching us emotional and spiritual maturity. We are learning to grow up and become Jesus’ lovely Bride, fully surrendered to His Lordship and Perfect Leadership.

The Bride's response is a deep love for Jesus. She passes each test trusting His leadership and growing in love for Jesus. The Bride is not offended at her Beloved One, nor is she offended at the watchman. What an amazing heart response.

The Bride did not lose her focus while under pressure; she’s lovesick (SoS 5:8).She has not only passed the 2-fold test, but she came out of it on fire for her Lover. Her heart grew larger as she revealed that she was in it for love all the way!Which brings us to the confession of the Bride’s heart: “I’m in it for love! I want YOU Jesus more than any other thing!”